The return of 125 acres of land to California’s Yurok Tribe marks a step forward but cannot be mistaken for full justice. While I am personally grateful for this transfer of wealth, it highlights a larger issue: land and resources inherently belong to Indigenous people, yet colonial systems dictate the terms of restitution. How can the thief also act as judge to decide what reparations are acceptable? This dynamic is not only outrageous but symbolic of broader global injustices.
For Indigenous people worldwide, the same story repeats: land theft that shifted trillions of dollars in value and resources away from the land’s original stewards into the hands of colonial regimes. While the return of 125 acres is progress, it remains a mere symbolic gesture when compared to the 24 million acres of California alone, which hold vast potential for revenue generation and sustainable living. Indigenous people deserve far more than symbolic victories—they deserve all their land back, alongside assets and profits amassed through industrial production that resulted from colonial campaigns.
Furthermore, we cannot ignore the plight of African Americans—or those reclassified under colonial systems. The Racial Integrity Act of 1924 and other mechanisms of “paper genocide” deliberately erased the identity of American Indians, reclassifying many as “Negro” or “colored.” This reclassification disconnected people from their land, culture, and lineage, creating a permanent underclass and pushing Indigenous consciousness into obscurity. As Martin Luther King Jr. aptly said, “We have become foreigners in our own land.”
The African American experience mirrors the broader campaign of domination faced by Indigenous peoples globally. Progress achieved outside colonial approval is consistently undermined. Policies like Manifest Destiny and the Doctrine of Discovery have justified violations, subjugation, and cultural erasure. Even within the tribal recognition process, federal agencies awarded reservations and resources—such as casinos—to tribes deemed “civilized,” a classification determined by the very systems that oppressed them. How can those who were once coined the phrase "Nigger" now determine what civilization looks like?
The return of 125 acres must be viewed in context: it is a fraction of a fraction of what is owed, not only to the Yurok Tribe but to all Indigenous people. This small step cannot overshadow the broader call for reparative justice, the reclamation of all stolen land, and the dismantling of colonial systems that continue to oppress. True justice demands more than symbolic gestures—it requires a reckoning with history, accountability for theft, and investment in Indigenous people’s long-term prosperity.
If you have not heard of Manifest Destiny or the Doctrine of Discovery, take the time to research these concepts. The limits of our educational system have intentionally locked us out of understanding the game we are in and the rules by which it is played. It is time to change that narrative and fight for what is rightfully ours.
Decolonize Your Healing with the Miracle of Moringa
Elevate your health and well-being with our transformative wellness package, designed to empower you through the nourishing power of Moringa and a holistic approach to sustainable living. This package is more than just a product—it’s a pathway to reclaiming health, reconnecting to the land, and building long-term resilience.
At Creation of Society (COS), we believe that true healing starts with addressing the root causes of systemic inequities. Our wellness package aligns with COS’s mission of promoting food justice, health, and community development, using Moringa as a powerful tool for nourishment and sustainable living. This initiative not only enhances personal well-being but also supports community-driven solutions that empower individuals and create lasting positive impacts.
Invest in yourself while supporting a movement that works to restore what has been taken. Decolonize your healing, nourish your body, and join us in creating a future rooted in health, wealth, wisdom, and justice.
- Create Society
Commenti